FIFA has announced the launch of the second phase of ticket sales for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding one million new tickets to the global market. This phase introduces a unique domestic exclusivity window designed to give fans in the three host nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—priority access before worldwide sales resume.

---

Global Demand Surges as FIFA Opens Second Ticket Draw

The second ticketing phase officially opened on Monday, October 28, 2025, marking another major milestone in preparations for the largest World Cup in history. This latest draw will run until Friday at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, allowing football fans from around the world to apply for tickets through a randomized process on FIFA’s official ticketing platform.

Residents of the three host countries will receive early access through a domestic exclusivity time slot, which gives them the chance to purchase single-match tickets for games held in their respective nations. Those selected will be notified at least 48 hours before their purchasing window opens between November 12 and November 15.

“We’ve seen incredible enthusiasm from fans globally,” said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup. “This phase allows us to thank the local supporters in the US, Canada, and Mexico, while still keeping ticket opportunities open for football fans around the world.”

---

U.S., Canada, and Mexico Lead Ticket Purchases in First Phase

During the initial sales phase, fans from the United States, Canada, and Mexico purchased more tickets than any other countries, reaffirming the region’s passion for hosting the world’s biggest sporting event. Following them in ticket demand were fans from England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France, rounding out the global top ten.

After the domestic priority window ends on November 15, remaining tickets will be made available globally starting November 17. FIFA confirmed that additional ticket phases will follow in early 2026 as part of its multi-round sales approach.

---

2026 World Cup Final Set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey

The 2026 tournament will be historic in scale—featuring 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 venues in North America. The final match is set to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026.

According to FIFA’s projected stadium capacities, there will be an estimated 7.1 million total seats available across all matches, though not all will be open for public sale due to allocations for sponsors, teams, and hospitality packages.

---

Ticket Prices and Dynamic Pricing Model

Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup vary widely depending on the match stage, location, and seat category.

• The lowest-priced seats start around $60 USD, available for select matches.
• Tickets for marquee games, such as the U.S. team’s opening match in Inglewood, California, were initially listed between $560 and $2,735 USD.
• On resale platforms, prices have skyrocketed—with some listings for over $60,000 USD per seat.

Fans can select from four ticket categories, with Category 1 offering premium field-side views and Category 4 comprising upper-level seating. For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA will use a dynamic pricing model, allowing prices to fluctuate based on demand and availability—similar to airline ticketing systems.

---

Questions Over Visas and Travel Logistics

Despite strong demand, questions remain about visa accessibility—especially for international fans planning to travel to the United States, which has recently implemented stricter immigration policies. The issue gained attention earlier this year when an Argentina vs. Puerto Rico friendly featuring Lionel Messi was relocated from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, amid slow ticket sales reportedly linked to visa uncertainties.

FIFA has yet to release full details on fan visa programs, but assurances have been made that coordination with U.S., Canadian, and Mexican authorities is ongoing to streamline travel for ticket holders.

---

The Biggest World Cup in History

With more teams, more venues, and a projected record-breaking attendance, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be the most expansive edition in the tournament’s 96-year history. The event will span three countries for the first time ever, showcasing North America’s diverse football culture and infrastructure.

FIFA reported that over 1 million tickets have already been sold in the first phase, with fans from 212 countries and territories participating—an unprecedented level of global engagement for a pre-tournament ticket draw.

As Heimo Schirgi noted, “The excitement is building. The 2026 World Cup will not only unite nations through football—it will set a new benchmark for global sports events.”